Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The heart of the Dodgers' lineup got it done today, with Matt Kemp, Juan Rivera and Andre Ethier going 8 for 12 and accounting for three RBIs.

It was a grinder through the bottom of the sixth, when Don Mattingly decided to pull Chad Billingsley with a 2-1 lead. It was a calculated risk, as Bills had only thrown 77 pitches, but the bases were loaded and Mattingly wanted to give James Loney a chance to break from his 0-for-14 slump.

Unfortunately, Loney is now 0-for-16 on the year. But Matt Guerrier got through the seventh and Rivera, Ethier and Tony Gwynn strung together some two-out hits to give the Dodgers some breathing room. Kenley Jansen and Javy Guerra made it stand up.

So the good news is the Dodgers are 5-1 for the first time in 13 years. And I guess Chad will be well rested for his next start. The bad news is the Dodgers have announced Vin Scully won't be working tomorrow's game, running his sick streak to three. Feel better, Vin!